Research on encouraging children to spend time outside
The challenge: There is plethora of evidence that showcases the positive benefits of green spaces and nature to children’s mental and physical wellbeing. However, not all children have access to quality green spaces.
What we’re doing about it
Forest schools are an intervention that aims to increase opportunities for children to access the benefits of nature. Following the research that highlighted the positive impact of forest schools on older children Better Start Bradford commissioned a local forest school organisation to provide this service for 3-year-olds attending nurseries in the area. The previous play experience of most of the children in this area was almost entirely limited to home, nursery and artificial play equipment only in parks and soft play centres so play in natural and wild spaces would be a novel experience for them.
The aim of this evaluation was to explore the potential health and development impact of the forest school nature play for 3-year-olds who are new to wild spaces. Our research questions were as follows:
1. What is the experience of 3-year-olds participating in an 11-week forest school intervention?
2. What are the potential outcomes for forest schools for this age group?
3. What do parents, nursery staff and forest school leaders think are the benefits and challenges with forest schools for their children?
Findings
Ethnographic methods consisting of participant observations were used to evaluate the impact of the programme on children. Participants included 20 families with 20 three year old children. The families came from West African, South Asian, Eastern European, White British, and mixed ethnic backgrounds. The results from the evaluation showed that the forest school intervention had a positive impact on the personal, social and emotional development of children with nursery staff and parents noting improvements in children’s confidence and reduced level of anxiety. This can be seen in the following quote from a nursery staff member:
“Yasmin obviously her confidence has like absolutely rocketed, before I think she was quite nervous to come, she was excited but sort of nervous, and nervous to try things, now when she’s outdoors she’s like really confident on like the climbing equipment, and independence again, I think it definitely encourages independence and confidence more out of anything else, yeah”.
Project summary written by Farwa Batool
the Better Start Bradford Innovation Hub 